Petra Ecclestone granted sole custody of her three children in $9.5 billion divorce

By 9Honey| 1 year ago

Petra Ecclestone's divorce case has closed

The $9.5 billion divorce battle involving one of the richest families in the world has now come to an end.

Petra Ecclestone, daughter of racing tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, was granted a divorce from businessman James Stunt in October 2017 but an acrimonous battle over their combined fortune continued.

Now, the 29-year-old has been granted sole custody of the couple's three children and is free to leave the UK.

James Stunt and Petra Ecclestone were married in 2011 for six years. Image: AAP

"There have been lengthy proceedings in relation to the arrangements following the preceding divorce of Petra and Mr Stunt," judge Gillian Brasse said as she delivered her ruling to the court.

"The financial matters between them were agreed last year, also an agreement at the end of last year that Miss Ecclestone could relocate to Los Angeles with her children was agreed."

Brasee also said she would make an order as to how much time the children could spend with their father, who was not in court at the time.

Petra Ecclestone leaves court. (Image: AAP)

Bernie Ecclestone, who had supported his daughter in court throughout the proceedings, branded his former son-in-law an "idiot", telling the Daily Mail, "I used to like James, he used to be an honourable person."

Stunt recently claimed he was robbed of $150 million during a burglary at his Georgian townhouse house in Belgravia while he was asleep, losing cash, gold, diamond jewellery and valuables.

Stunt, 36, has been accused of faking the robbery in an attempt to retain his fortune, but angrily disputed this claim.

Petra greets father Bernie at family court in London. Image: AAP

"I've nothing to hide. I'm a victim with no upside to this embarrassment of having no insurance. It's disgusting how people are commenting that I'm a criminal," he said.

Among the items he claimed were stolen was the watch of his brother James, who died last year from an accidental prescription medication overdose, valued at up to $870,000.

In this episode of Life Bites, journalist Emmy Kubainski and clinical psychologist Kirstin Bouse talk about marital struggles and divorce. (Post continues.)

During a recent hearing in the couple's divorce proceedings, Petra's older sister Tamara - a socialite with her own reality TV show - shared a post on her official Instagram account in support of her sister.

Along with the inspiring quote, "Hey little fighter, soon things will be brighter," Tamara also wrote, "You may be my little sister but you have shown unimaginable strength dignity and composure. Proud of you."

Tamara Ecclestone supporting sister Petra in court. Image: AAP

Petra Ecclestone was represented in court by Baroness Fiona Shakleton, who previously acted on behalf of Sir Paul McCartney when he divorced Heather Mills in 2008.

She and James Stunt were married for six years and have a four-year-old daughter Lavinia as well as twin boys James and Andrew, aged two.